Devon and Cornwall's best restaurants for 2024

New openings for 2024 holidays

Foodies rejoice – we’re back with our 2024 installment of Devon and Cornwall’s best new restaurants. Fuelled by our insider knowledge across the South West, we've curated 15 new openings to inspire a foodie break. Look forward to Michelin Stars, AA Rosettes, tasting menus and floating restaurants.

New restaurants in Cornwall

1.    Ogo in Mawgan Porth

© Bedruthan

Served from 5:30pm until late at Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, dinner at Ogo promises a meal to remember. Described as a “celebration of life and food”, diners can expect seasonal ingredients and vibrant dishes that change daily. The sample evening menu features coal roasted beetroot, steamed Cornish brill, tempura green onions and caramelised white chocolate mousse. 

For those tempted by Ogo’s four-course tasting menus every Friday and Saturday night in January 2024, head chef Jack Clayton will plate delicate dishes like buttermilk scallops, pheasant with elderberry, and sweet honey parfait. Tailored wine pairings can be added if you’re planning a special occasion, and dining on the dune-side terrace to the sound of the sea, is not to be missed.

What’s new? The tasting menus on Friday and Saturday nights through January 2024.

Good to know: Walk-ins are welcome but booking ahead is recommended – just bear in mind that tables are limited to six people

Where to stay nearby: At Panorama in Mawgan Porth. Book for the ocean views, stay for the heated outdoor pool.

2.    Verbena in Newquay

With Adam Banks and Mariana Chaves at the helm, Verbena is a new restaurant tucked away in The Cribbar Yard. Escape Newquay’s summertime crowds and head to Bank Street for an atmospheric dining experience.

Verbena’s opening times may be limited (5:30 – 9pm from Friday to Monday) but its menu packs a punch. The restaurant specialises in small plates of seafood and homemade pasta, plus a handful of tempting desserts – think roasted squash tortellini followed by Rio Nuevo Chocolate mousse, or honeyed biscuits with lemon verbena cream.

Good to know: The restaurant isn’t dog-friendly during the summer, but four-legged friends are welcome to dine al fresco

Where to stay nearby: At Trewhella in Crantock – a home that was made for beach walks by day and hot tub dips by night

3.    Zacry’s on the Sea Wall in Watergate Bay

© Zacry's on the Sea Wall

Soak up beach views over dinner from an elevated vantage point. Taking the place of Emily Scott’s restaurant and its predecessor Watchful Mary, Zacry’s now sits proudly on the sea wall at Watergate Bay.

Priced at £60 a head, three-course menu highlights include beef tartare, grilled Newlyn hake and vanilla custard panna cotta. Accompanied by a chilled glass of Camel Valley’s pinot noir, or a “Sea Wall Negroni” topped with Tarquin’s Gin, find yourself in the perfect setting for special occasion meals. There’s also a reduced children’s menu so those with smaller appetites needn’t miss out.

What’s new? A fresh location for 2024. Zacry’s has swapped the main hotel building for a prime spot in the sea wall restaurant. 

Good to know: Dinner is served from 6 – 9:30pm from Tuesday to Sunday and tables can be booked online

4.    Crocadon in St Mellion

Nestled in the South Cornwall countryside just outside Saltash, this dog-friendly restaurant receives high praise for its service, atmosphere, food and wine list. Dishes are served on handmade crockery and brought to life with a “farm to fork” ethos – the food is totally led by produce that’s been grown or reared on site.

Choose from three exquisite menus to suit the occasion: Dinner on the Farm (£95), Taste of the Farm (£65) and a Sunday lunch feast (£45). The sample menu is fresh and fragrant, with exciting ingredients around every corner – think Jerusalem artichokes with pear and sunflower, cuttlefish with lemongrass and dittander, and Japanese kuri with sweet chestnut. Lunches and dinners in 2023 booked quickly, so stay up-to-date on socials for news in 2024.

Good to know: The restaurant opens on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, but swing by Crocadon Bakery for fresh pastries and sourdough bread from 10am until 3pm. You can pre-order online too.

Where to stay nearby: Home to sea views and a swimming pool, Eden in Downderry looks out over the Rame Peninsula, just a short drive away

5.    ONDA in Wadebridge

© Rebecca West for ONDA | @rfranceswest 

A new North Cornwall offering that first opened its doors in 2023, you’ll find ONDA on Molesworth Street and soon fall in love with its punchy flavours. The Italian-inspired restaurant has already gone down a storm with locals, and founder Ben Ambridge has big plans for the future. Alongside head chef Emily Hunt (previously of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen), news on their very own feast nights is said to be coming soon.

This restaurant is a Perfect Stays team favourite – if you’re visiting for dinner, try the linguine romesco or confit duck.

What’s new? Feast nights coming soon.

Good to know: Lunch is served 12 – 2:30pm and dinner 5:30 – 8:30pm, Tuesday to Saturday

Where to stay nearby: At Fair Skies in St Merryn or The Watermill in Withiel. Both are perfectly placed for a North Cornwall getaway, and you can reach ONDA in under 20 minutes.
 

6.    The Fish Market in Looe

Having closed for refurbishment in November 2023, this Looe-based fish restaurant has promised big things to come. From its location on the quay in the east of the town, The Fish Market prides itself on uninterrupted views over the water, and “some of the lowest food miles imaginable”. Menus change as often as twice daily, and the tapas style set-up in the 30-cover restaurant works brilliantly for those who can’t decide between their favourite small plates. 

Sure to be a hit for 2024, we’ve got our eyes on the upcoming chef’s table with owner and chef, Fred Alsop. Perfect to enjoy with friends while on holiday, choose from four courses at £70pp or six courses at £100pp. If you’re staying with us nearby at one of our Downderry homes, ask our Concierge team to book your taxis and make the most of the bespoke wine flight. 

What’s new? A chef’s table dining experience for 2024

Good to know: The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays

Where to stay nearby: At Sea Edge in Downderry. With its 180-degree vista over open ocean, it’s a place where striking architecture blends seamlessly into the Cornish coast. 
 

7.    Culture in Falmouth

© Culture

A quick scroll through Culture’s recent guest reviews will tell you all you need to know about this South African-owned restaurant that’s tucked into Custom House Quay. It was awarded a Michelin Green Star (Falmouth’s first) and three AA Rosettes for culinary excellence in 2023. Guests with a keen eye for interiors will love its glass-walled wine cellar and wood-clad décor, while the open kitchen allows true foodies to watch their dishes come to life. 

The five-course Lunch Journey and seven-course Dinner Journey menus take hungry diners across the globe, pairing wines from Spain, Italy, South Africa and beyond. Local suppliers dictate the menu and not the other way around, which means instead of specific ingredients and tasting notes, you’ll see dishes straight from the source: duck eggs from Grampound Hills, seafood from Carrick Roads and rich desserts from Chocolarder – championing the local producers on Culture’s doorstep. 

What’s new? Falmouth’s first Michelin Green Star

Good to know: Wine flights are available to complement your meal (£49pp for dinner and £30pp during lunch)
 

8.    Dune Restaurant on Fistral Beach

© Fistral Beach Hotel via Instagram

Based out of Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, Daniel Kerr’s signature tasting menu at Dune is not to be missed for those holidaying in North Cornwall. Start the evening with Looe scallops and venison carpaccio, before moving onto John Dory, 48-hour beef short rib, blackberry panna cotta and petit fours. 

Vegans and vegetarians are catered for, with in-depth menus featuring plant-based burgers, coconut and lime soup and a dairy-free sticky toffee pudding. Plus, a welcome addition in late 2023, two AA Rosettes will make soaking up the glistening sea views all the more enjoyable. 

What’s new? Two AA Rosettes

Good to know: Dune is an adults-only restaurant

9.    45 Queen Street in Penzance

Describing itself as a “vibrant, bustling, neighbourhood bar and kitchen”, 45 Queen Street is a must-visit for great food and refreshing cocktails. Its 2024 offering has come a long way from its 2017 roots, having first started out as a small-scale drinks company. Owners Hannah and Sam have big dreams for the restaurant too – including a green rooftop space. 

Fresh and ready for the year ahead, current dishes include autumn stew, mussels in garlic sauce, burrata with pumpkin seeds, and fettuccine with sage and lemon. Brunch is served from 10 until 11:30am and small plates and lunches from midday, before dinner service commences at 5pm. 

Good to know: The kitchen opens from Wednesday through Saturday

Where to stay nearby: Our luxury homes in Mousehole and Marazion. Whether it’s cosy cottage charm at The Mouse House or large-scale entertaining at Ednovean House, soak up wondrous sea views. 

New restaurants in Devon

10.    Àclèaf at Boringdon Hall

© Àclèaf via Instagram

Brainchild of head chef Scott Paton, the now Michelin-starred four-course menu at Àclèaf promises an elevated dining experience. With thoughtful wine pairings served alongside, every dish is made up of three unexpected trios – think sole with grape and oyster, duck egg with cranberry and cinnamon, or crab with curry and mango. 

Set overlooking Boringdon’s Great Hall near Plympton, the restaurant interior features rich green velvets, dark woods and intricately decorated ceilings that set the scene for a night of true indulgence.   

What’s new? A Michelin Star

Good to know: Àclèaf opens daily from 6:30 until 11pm and you can book a table online
 

11.    Circa at Sandridge Barton

© Steve Haywood for Circa

Set within an old stone milking parlour in South Devon’s AONB, Circa has been designed as a place to relax while sampling fantastic local food and drink. Based at the home of Sharpham Wine at Stoke Gabriel near Totnes, the sample lunch menu incorporates winemaking by-products wherever possible, in desserts like coffee kombucha truffles, pineapple weed meringue, and sticky toffee pudding with cider brandy butterscotch

Book a table for day-boat landed fish, organic veg dishes and ethically sourced meat sourced locally on the estate. Every meal is beautifully plated and ready to be enjoyed under the beamed ceilings of the restaurant. 

What’s new? Perfect for special occasions hosting up to 18 guests, book The Vine Room for unspoilt vineyard views

Good to know: Circa’s opening hours are Thursday – Monday from 12 until 3pm. Make the most of your visit by booking a post-lunch wine tasting. 

12. Canvas in Barnstaple

New to the Broomhill Estate food scene is Canvas – an art-inspired restaurant that specialises in showstopping and thought-provoking food. Describing itself as a place where “the line between restaurant and gallery is blurred”, dishes here are reinvented every nine weeks, making for a truly unique dining experience just outside of Barnstaple.

When it comes to the food, think chargrilled Braunton asparagus, cured duck egg yolk, Black Down ham and sourdough shoyu – Canvas prides itself on ingredients that are high quality and locally sourced. Some of our favourite dishes include the mushroom miso ramen and the torched mackerel which is served alongside an oyster emulsion. 

On the sweet menu, you’ll find burnt basque cheesecake served with fennel pollen, an alpine strawberry and elderflower sorbet, and Devon honey cake with foraged nettles and homegrown roasted rhubarb. 

What’s new? June 2023 saw Circa’s first chapter – follow their journey on Instagram for upcoming exhibitions

Good to know: Guests are invited to dine from either a three-course set menu, or the signature palette menu. Seating hours are 6 – 8pm from Wednesday to Saturday. 

13.    River Exe Café on the Exe Estuary

© River Exe Café via Instagram

Those seeking a truly unique dining experience needn’t look any further. River Exe Café presents its custom-built floating restaurant, complete with a brand new Upper Deck. Offered to diners on a first come, first served basis, the open-air tables offer panoramic ocean views at a flat rate of £50 per table.

Only accessible by boat via the picturesque Exe Estuary, guests can enjoy two hours of fine food and drink from 1st April to 30th September. On the menu, you’ll find Devon crab claws, roasted harissa cauliflower, salmon tartare and pan-seared cod loin, alongside fresh oysters and mussels. For dessert, choose the lemon meringue pie, a mango and passionfruit panna cotta, or local treats from Dartmoor Ice Cream Co. The restaurant also serves wine by the glass, plus tempting cocktails, mocktails and spritzers to keep you refreshed while out on the water.

What’s new? The Upper Deck

Good to know: The Upper Deck is for over 14s only. There are three tables which each seat five guests. Reserving a table will automatically book a return river cruise with Puffin Water Taxi. 

14.    The Smoking Lobster in Salcombe

The 2023 season may be over for The Smoking Lobster, but as menus are perfected behind the scenes, 2024 plans are growing for Jamie Rogers’ latest Devon venture. With just two tables available per service and a minimum group of 10 diners, this “luxury gastronomic occasion” is titled The Captain’s Table. 

Priced at £180 a head, start the eight-course experience with a round of canapes and snacks, before scallops, crab and beef are served. Those with a sweet tooth will love the peach melba, strawberries with champagne, and passionfruit entremets served with sherbet and white chocolate sorbet.  

For a simpler meal, the standard menu features an array of locally landed fish dishes – from Salcombe lobster and Brixham hake to Beesands scallops. 

What’s new? Captain’s Table experience for 2024

Good to know: Jamie Rogers also offers private dining experiences. Get in touch with our Concierge team for more details on in-house dining while on holiday. 

Where to stay nearby: At Waterside in Salcombe. Sleeping up to eight guests with complimentary spa access at Salcombe Harbour Spa.

15.    SeventySix in Tavistock

Drawing inspiration from Asia through its vibrant dishes and specialty cocktails, SeventySix opened in August 2023 on Tavistock’s West Street. Its charming courtyard has intimate tables for al fresco lunching in the summer, and the upstairs dining space overlooks the shop-lined high street.

Being a wine bar as well as a kitchen, coconut martinis and raspberry mojitos are firm favourites on the drinks menu. Main meals include crispy chicken bao buns, grilled prawns, Thai red curry and nasi goreng rice.

What’s new? A takeaway service launched just before Christmas. Everything on the restaurant menu is available to enjoy at home – perfect for sushi or curry nights with a bottle of fizz.

Good to know: Check the opening times of both the bar and kitchen so you can choose between the full menu or light bites

Café, bakery and deli news

Our Marketing and Concierge teams always have their ears to the ground for new openings. From Cornwall's café scene, we've heard good things about the newly-opened Ginger and Joe in Newquay, Loafs Bakery in Penzance and Sabzi Deli in Nansledan.
 

Holidays in Devon and Cornwall

Start planning your 2024 escape with a stay at one of our luxury homes. With our concierge service included as part of every booking, think restaurant reservations, private chefs and in-house wine tastings all taken care of by our expert team. Get in touch (01208 895 570 or info@perfectstays.co.uk) or browse our properties to get inspired.

Our luxury homes from left to right: Waterside in Salcombe | Sea Edge in Downderry | Panorama in Mawgan Porth | Amar in Downderry | Fair Skies in St Merryn and Ednovean House in Marazion.

Image credits: © Bedruthan | © Zacry's on the Sea Wall | © Rebecca West for ONDA (@rfranceswest) | © Culture | © Fistral Beach Hotel via Instagram | © Steve Haywood for Circa | © Àclèaf via Instagram | © River Exe Café via Instagram | All other images are our own.